Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer

Searching for a “Wrongful Death Lawyer near me” in
Los Angeles?

Your family deserves answers, accountability, and financial security after a preventable loss. The wrongful death team at Kimura London & White LLP helps grieving families across Los Angeles County pursue justice - with zero upfront fees. 

Call 949-474-0940 | Free Confidential Consultation 

Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyer: What Families Need to Know Right Now

Act quickly to protect evidence and deadlines. Photos, vehicle data, facility records, witness statements, and insurance notices can disappear fast in LA's high-volume systems. When you contact us early, we move immediately to preserve critical proof and identify every potentially responsible party.

Immediate Steps You Can Take Today:

• Get the death certificate & any medical findings.
• Request a copy of the police / traffic collision / incident report.
• Save all hospital, hospice, or facility discharge paperwork.
• Gather contact info for witnesses, employers, or caregivers.
• Do not sign releases or accept insurance settlement checks before legal review.

Need help gathering documents? Call and we'll walk you through it.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?

Under California law (CCP 377.60), certain close family members—and in some cases financially dependent relatives—may bring a wrongful death claim. Here's the quick guide:

Priority	Eligible Party	Notes
1	Surviving Spouse or Registered Domestic Partner	First priority.
1	Children (biological / adopted)	Shared claim rights.
2	Issue of Deceased Children (grandchildren)	If children are deceased.
3	Dependent Parents, Stepchildren, Putative Spouse/Children	If financially dependent.
Backup	Those entitled to property by intestate succession	Applies if no above heirs.

Unsure if you qualify? Contact us—eligibility can be broader than people realize.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Los Angeles?

For most wrongful death cases in California, you must file within 2 years from the date of death. Missing the deadline usually means losing your right to recover compensation.

Important Exceptions:

• Claims Involving Government Entities (City, County, Caltrans, School District, etc.): You generally must file a government claim within 6 months (180 days) before suing. Call immediately if a public agency may be involved.
• Medical Negligence Leading to Death: Interaction between med-mal statutes & wrongful death can be complex; call for review.
• Discovery-Rule Situations: Rare but possible where cause of death was not known right away.

Bottom Line: If you suspect wrongdoing, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

What Compensation Can a Family Recover in a California Wrongful Death Case?

Families may be entitled to compensation for both financial losses and the human impact of losing a loved one.

Economic Damages (financial support the decedent would have provided, funeral/burial costs, loss of benefits, household services, medical expenses related to the final injury if recoverable via survival action).

Non-Economic Damages (loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, moral support; in some cases guidance to minor children).

Related Survival Action may allow recovery for the decedent's pre-death medical expenses, lost wages between injury & death, and conscious pain & suffering (subject to SB 447 changes; confirm current law before publishing live statement—update annually).

Want an estimate? We'll review facts confidentially and explain potential recovery ranges based on case type, liability clarity, and insurance coverage.

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action: What's the Difference? 

Wrongful Death compensates family members for their losses after a preventable death.
Survival Action continues the decedent's own personal injury claim for damages suffered between injury and death (medical bills, lost income, possibly pain/suffering—subject to statutory limits & updates).

Many serious cases include both claims. We'll evaluate which apply.

Fatal Accident Case Types We Handle Across Los Angeles County

• Auto & Truck Collisions (I-5, 405, 10, 101 corridors)
• Rideshare / Uber / Lyft Fatalities
• Motorcycle & Scooter Crashes
• Pedestrian & Crosswalk Deaths (urban LA, school zones)
• Bicycle & E-Bike Fatal Collisions
• Workplace & Industrial Incidents
• Construction Site & Heavy Equipment Deaths
• Medical Negligence / Hospital Failures
• Nursing Home & Elder Care Abuse Resulting in Death
• Defective or Dangerous Products

How Our Los Angeles Wrongful Death Lawyers Investigate & Build Your Case

Rapid Response: Evidence preservation letters; accident scene investigators; vehicle data downloads.
Liability Analysis: Driver, employer, product manufacturer, property owner, medical provider, public entity.
Expert Network: Forensic reconstructionists, economists, medical experts, life-care planners.
Damages Modeling: Lifetime earnings projections; household contribution calculations; non-economic valuation frameworks.
Negotiation Strategy: Insurance stacking; layered policies; excess carrier demand letters.
Trial-Ready Litigation: If defendants refuse accountability, we file and litigate in LA County courts.

Request a free strategy call today! 949-474-0940 or fill out this form.

Why Families Across Los Angeles Choose Kimura London & White LLP

Experience That Matters – Led by Partner Joshua M. Kimura, nationally recognized (AVVO 10.0; Super Lawyers; Best In Law honors).

Compassionate Client Care – We walk with you through grief, paperwork, and court deadlines.

Multilingual Support – English, Mandarin, Japanese & more—critical in diverse LA communities.

Resources to Fight Big Defendants – Inc. 5000 growth; featured in Forbes & Fortune; we staff experts & trial teams.

Contingency Fee, No Upfront Costs – You pay nothing unless we win.. 

No Upfront Fees: We Only Get Paid If We Win Your Wrongful Death Case

You owe no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation. We advance case costs. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery. At your free consult, we'll show you exactly how it works—no surprises.

FAQ: Your Wrongful Death Questions Answered

Do I need a lawyer for a wrongful death case in Los Angeles?

You're not legally required to hire a lawyer—but the truth is, these cases are rarely simple. You're dealing with grief, paperwork, insurance companies, and strict deadlines all at once. An experienced attorney makes sure your family's rights are protected and the case is handled correctly from the start.

We'll take care of everything—investigating the incident, gathering evidence, calculating damages, and negotiating with insurance companies—so you can focus on your family and healing. And because we work on a contingency basis, you don't pay unless we win.

What's the deadline to file?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of your loved one's death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California.

But don't wait—some situations come with much shorter deadlines. For example:

• If a city, county, or government agency was involved, you may have only 6 months to take action.
• If medical negligence is suspected, different rules might apply.

The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better we can protect your family's ability to recover compensation

What damages can we recover?

Families can recover both financial losses and emotional damages. This may include:

• Lost financial support from your loved one (past and future income)
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
• Value of services your loved one provided (childcare, household contributions)
• In some cases, we may also recover for pain and suffering your loved one experienced before passing (through a related claim called a survival action)

Every case is different, and we'll walk you through exactly what your family may be entitled to during your free consultation.

Call, Chat, or Schedule Your Free Consultation Today 

Losing a loved one is one of life's most challenging experiences, even more so when their death is the result of someone else's negligence. Coping with grief while simultaneously facing the complexities of the legal system is overwhelming. Consulting with our local wrongful death attorneys provides you with the compassionate support and legal guidance you need during this time.

Our legal professionals are dedicated to fighting for your rights. Their goal is to hold the negligent parties accountable and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Seeking experienced legal representation allows families to grieve their loss while having peace of mind knowing that their legal interests are being protected. This support is essential for navigating the aftermath of a wrongful death and beginning the healing process.

Give us a call or fill out our form to receive help with your case today. All consultations are free and all costs are subtracted from your winnings. There is no obligation to retain our services.